Virginia Victims Fund (VVF) Information

WHO CAN FILE A CLAIM?

The following persons that have suffered personal injury, mental trauma or death directly related to a crime:

• Victim
• Parent or Legal Guardian of child victim
• Citizen trying to prevent a crime
• Surviving spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling or child of deceased victim
• Person legally dependent on support from deceased victim or offender removed from home

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN AWARD?

The crime must have occurred in Virginia, or to a resident of Virginia, if crime occurred in a territory where a compensation program does not exist.
Crime must have been reported to law enforcement within 120 hours, unless good cause is shown for delay.
VVF application must be filed within 1 year of the commission of the crime, unless good cause is shown for delay.
The victim must participate in the criminal justice process.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AN AWARD?

A victim who participated in or contributed to the crime; engaged in illegal activity; or knowingly submitted false information to VVF.

WHAT CAN I APPLY FOR?

The maximum total award is $25,000.00.

• Medical expenses
• Mental health expenses
• Survivor mental health expenses
• Funeral or burial expenses
• Loss of wages
• Loss of financial support
• Moving expenses
• Crime scene clean-up
• Mileage
• Prescriptions
• Other crime-related expenses such as windows, locks and doors, prescriptions, or eyeglasses

VVF WILL NOT PAY FOR:

• Property loss
• Attorney fees
• Pain and suffering
• Motor vehicle accidents, except DUI

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

On average, it can take 6 months for VVF to obtain all required documentation that is needed to make a decision on a claim.
VVF tries to take the burden off the victim by obtaining all the necessary information directly; however, the claim moves faster if the victim can provide VVF with information that is being requested.
Once an award is made, an award letter is sent to the claimant immediately, however it may take 30 days for the victim or provider to receive a check.  Checks are mailed from the Treasurer of Virginia.

HOW CAN YOU GET AN APPLICATION?

Applications are available by contacting the Victim/Witness Director at 434-591-1985; http://www.virginiavictimsfund.org; or at 1-800-552-4007.